§ 70. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that the Atholl Housing Company had definitely arranged to pay trade union rates of wages to all their workmen; that this company was excluded from the selection of contractors to receive the special subsidy of £40 per house for Scotland as recently announced by the Prime Minister; that this company's 2211 business is prejudiced by this decision, and whether they are to be finally precluded from receiving the Government subsidy?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that Atholl Steel Houses, Limited, have arranged to pay trade union rates of wages to their workmen, and I am aware that this company is not included in the firms approved by the Scottish Board of Health for the purposes of the additional housing subsidy. As regards the suggestion of prejudice to the company's business, I would remind the hon. Member that the number of houses covered by the new subsidy scheme is but a small proportion of the number of houses required in Scotland. Moreover, while this firm's houses will not participate in the additional subsidy, they are still eligible for participation in the ordinary subsidies under the Acts of 1923 and 1924 subject to their cost being reasonable.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs the Secretary for Scotland aware that these Atholl steel houses are in growing demand in England, and that bodies like the London County Council have contracted for them to be built; and can he give any explanation why this firm, which is at peace with the trade unions, is prohibited from being on the list?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am very glad to hear that these houses are in demand. The problem of including them in the extra subsidy was governed principally and mainly by the necessity of cost.